How to Make Chicken for Beginners: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re new to the kitchen and wondering how to make chicken for beginners, this guide is for you. Chicken is a versatile and popular protein, but for beginners, it can be a little intimidating to cook. Fortunately, with some simple techniques, you can easily make juicy, flavorful chicken every time. In this guide, we’ll walk through the basics—from choosing the right cut to cooking methods like baking, grilling, and pan-frying. With these beginner-friendly tips, you’ll be cooking chicken like a pro in no time!

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing and cooking chicken, from choosing the right cut and seasoning to different cooking methods, safety tips, and beginner-friendly recipes. By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident in the kitchen and ready to make a delicious chicken dish every time.

1. Understanding Chicken Cuts and Their Uses

The first step to cooking great chicken is choosing the right cut. Chicken comes in a variety of cuts, and each has different textures, flavors, and cooking times. As a beginner, it’s important to know which cut to use for the type of dish you’re making.

Popular Chicken Cuts:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, cook quickly, and are versatile for grilling, baking, and pan-frying. They can dry out if overcooked, so they require attention.
• Chicken Thighs: Thighs are more forgiving than breasts because they have a higher fat content, making them juicier and more flavorful. They’re perfect for roasting, grilling, or slow cooking. They come in boneless or bone-in options.
• Chicken Drumsticks: Drumsticks are often grilled or roasted, and they remain moist and juicy thanks to their bone-in structure. Drumsticks are ideal for beginners as they are hard to overcook.
• Chicken Wings: Chicken wings are great for appetizers or snacks, often grilled, baked, or fried. Their small size and bone-in nature allow them to cook quickly.
• Whole Chicken: Cooking a whole chicken might seem intimidating, but it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy a flavorful meal. Roasting a whole chicken can result in juicy meat and crispy skin, perfect for feeding a crowd or creating leftovers.

Tip: For beginners, starting with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs is often the easiest route, as they are quick to cook and provide delicious results with minimal effort.

2. Prepping Chicken for Cooking

Before you start cooking, properly preparing the chicken is key to ensuring that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors you add. Here’s how to prepare chicken for cooking:

Basic Chicken Preparation Steps:

1. Trim the Chicken: If you’re working with boneless chicken breasts or thighs, use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to trim off any visible fat, skin, or tendons. This will improve the texture and flavor of the cooked chicken.
2. Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning or cooking, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the chicken develop a golden-brown crust, whether you’re pan-frying, baking, or grilling.
3. Season the Chicken: Seasoning is crucial for adding flavor to the chicken. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper works wonders, but you can add additional herbs, spices, or marinades based on your taste preferences.

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle the chicken with a bit of olive oil before adding seasoning. This helps lock in moisture and adds a delicious golden crust during cooking.

3. How to Season Chicken: A Beginner’s Guide

Seasoning is one of the most important steps in cooking chicken. Without proper seasoning, chicken can turn out bland. Luckily, it’s easy to enhance the natural flavor of chicken with just a few simple ingredients.

Basic Seasonings for Chicken:

• Salt and Pepper: These are the building blocks of flavor. Salt helps enhance the natural flavor of the chicken, while pepper adds a touch of spice.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a rich, savory flavor without the intensity of fresh garlic.
• Paprika: Provides a mild sweetness and a rich color to your chicken.
• Dried Herbs: Dried herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, or Italian seasoning blends work well with chicken. They add a fresh, aromatic quality to the meat.

Simple Marinades for Beginners:

Marinating chicken before cooking can add flavor and moisture. Here’s a beginner-friendly marinade to get you started.

Basic Lemon-Garlic Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Add the chicken and coat it evenly with the marinade.
3. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for stronger flavor.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade before cooking.

Tip: For more intense flavor, let the chicken marinate for a few hours. Be careful not to over-marinate, especially with acidic ingredients like lemon, as this can cause the chicken to become tough.

For more seasoning ideas, check out our Guide to Chicken Seasoning for Beginners for additional flavor combinations.

4. How to Cook Chicken: Beginner chicken cooking guide

Now that your chicken is prepped and seasoned, it’s time to cook! There are many ways to cook chicken, but for beginners, starting with simple and reliable methods is the best approach. Below, we’ll cover three popular ways to cook chicken: pan-frying, baking, and grilling.

1. Pan-Frying Chicken

Pan-frying is a quick and easy way to cook chicken, especially boneless breasts or thighs. This method creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Steps for Pan-Frying Chicken:

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place the seasoned chicken in the pan, ensuring that it is not overcrowded.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until the outside is golden brown and the inside reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. This helps you avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken.

2. Baking Chicken

Baking chicken is one of the easiest methods because it’s hands-off. After seasoning your chicken, you can let it bake in the oven while you prepare other parts of your meal.

Steps for Baking Chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the seasoned chicken breasts or thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
3. Drizzle with a little olive oil to keep the chicken moist.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes for boneless breasts or 25-30 minutes for thighs, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tip: For crispier skin or a golden finish, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

3. Grilling Chicken

Grilling chicken gives it a smoky flavor that many people love. This method is perfect for summer barbecues or when you want a healthier, fat-free cooking method.

Steps for Grilling Chicken:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the cut. Flip only once.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

For more grilling tips and tricks, visit our Beginner’s Guide to Grilling Chicken.

5. Slow Cooking Chicken: Foolproof Tenderness for Beginners

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make juicy, tender chicken with minimal effort, slow cooking is a great method. A slow cooker allows you to cook chicken over a longer period of time, resulting in tender, flavorful meat without the risk of drying it out.

Basic Slow-Cooked Chicken Recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix the broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and thyme.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Why Slow Cooking Works: The slow cooking process breaks down the muscle fibers in the chicken, making it incredibly tender. The chicken also absorbs the flavors of the broth and seasonings as it cooks.

Tip: You can add vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes to the slow cooker to make a complete meal.

For more slow-cooker recipes, explore our Ultimate Guide to Slow Cooking Chicken.

6. How to Keep Chicken Juicy

A common challenge for beginners is keeping chicken juicy. Chicken can easily dry out if it’s overcooked or not prepared properly. Follow these tips to ensure your chicken stays tender and flavorful every time.

Tips for Juicy Chicken:

• Use a Meat Thermometer: The easiest way to ensure juicy chicken is to cook it to the right internal temperature. Chicken should be cooked to 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Marinate the Chicken: Marinades that include oil, acid (like lemon juice), and seasonings help tenderize the chicken and lock in moisture.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
• Brining: If you have time, consider brining your chicken before cooking. Brining helps the chicken retain moisture, making it juicy and flavorful.

7. Simple Chicken Recipes Beginner chicken cooking guide.

Now that you know how to cook chicken using different methods, here are a few recipes that are easy to make and full of flavor for Beginner chicken cooking guide.

Recipe 1: Easy Baked Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and drizzle the mixture over the chicken.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Recipe 2: Quick Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tip: Pair the chicken with a simple side dish like steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Chicken

As a beginner, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes when cooking chicken. Here are some tips to help you avoid these pitfalls and achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time.

1. Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooking is a common mistake that can make chicken dry and tough.

Solution: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

2. Under-seasoning the Chicken

Not using enough seasoning can lead to bland, flavorless chicken.

Solution: Don’t be afraid to generously season your chicken with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices. Proper seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

3. Cutting into the Chicken Too Soon

Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can cause the juices to escape, leaving the meat dry.

Solution: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.

9. Storing and Reheating Chicken

If you have leftover chicken, it’s important to store and reheat it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. (Beginner chicken guide)

How to Store Cooked Chicken:

• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
• Cooked chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 4 months.

How to Reheat Chicken:

• To reheat chicken, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
• If using a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.

Tip: Add a little chicken broth or water to the chicken before reheating to help retain moisture.

Conclusion: Beginner chicken cooking guide

Cooking chicken for beginners doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right tips, techniques, and simple recipes, you can create delicious, juicy chicken every time. Whether you’re baking, grilling, or pan-frying, mastering the basics of chicken preparation and cooking will set you up for success in the kitchen.

Ready to explore more chicken recipes? Check out our Advanced Chicken Cooking Techniques for more inspiration!